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2022 Budget: Senate Committee canvases for more funding of Judiciary

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FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, IYIN-EKITI: A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT OF SEN. MICHAEL. OPEYEMI BAMIDELE
Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters has made a request for additional funding of the judiciary in next year budget.

Senator representing Ekiti Central and Chairman of the Committee, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele presented the request before the Senate Committee on Appropriation on Thursday at the National Assembly complex.

Investigation revealed that the Executive arm of government made a provision of N120 Billion for the judiciary in the 2022 Budget.

Speaking with newsmen after his presentation before the Senator Jibrin Barau led Appropriation Committee, Senator Bamidele who disclosed that his Committee made a request for additional N10billion for the judiciary maintained that the budget estimate was inadequate, considering the enormous responsibilities before the judiciary.

Senator Bamidele said apart from the challenge thrown up by terrorism, there is the need to deploy technology in the dispensation of Justice.

He said:” As we speak, there are people awaiting trial as a result of insecurity: call them gunmen, bandits, terrorists— whatever you call them, the truth is, there is so much additional burden on the judiciary. Of course, there must be fair hearing for suspects apprehended, and it is additional responsibility for the judiciary.

So, they need more money.

The COVID has also made it imperative to deploy technology for virtual hearing. All of these demand money, we are taking of all levels of Court: from Magistrate,to the Supreme Court, aside the special Court like Arbitration.

“So, both Committees in both chambers are asking for more money for the judiciary.”

Asked about the secrecy surrounding the budget of the judiciary, the Chairman,
Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters dismissed it as a non issue as he noted that it was not peculiar to the judiciary.

“It isn’t our responsibility to monitor their expenditure but it is important that whatever is allocated under the National Judicial Commission is judiciously used.

“The secrecy you talked about isn’t peculiar to the judiciary. No one is asking about the budget of the Department of State Serviced or National Intelligence Agency.

Their budget (judiciary) isn’t up to one percent of the entire budget.

We may choose to sensationalise it, but public interest is better served if the budget of the judiciary is at least one percent of the entire budget.

We need a well funded judiciary so that it’s independence isn’t compromised.”

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Nigerians Are Hungry And Unhappy With Tinubu – Fayemi

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that many Nigerians are suffering under the current economic conditions and are unlikely to support the government in the upcoming general election.

In a video obtained by the Guardian, Fayemi spoke in Yoruba, lamenting the levels of hunger and financial hardship in the country. He pointed to deteriorating infrastructure and the federal government’s neglect of key development efforts.

“Let’s not deceive ourselves; Nigerians are not happy with the Federal Government due to hunger and a lack of money,” he stated.

Fayemi highlighted the poor condition of federal roads in Ekiti, specifically mentioning the route from Efon Alaaye through Erio and the road from Omuo Ekiti through Ilasa to Ayedun Ekiti, emphasising the struggles faced by commuters.

He also criticised the Federal Government for its refusal to refund the N18–20 billion spent by his administration on the Ado-Iyin road project, arguing that these funds could have been reinvested into other road projects if reimbursed. “The Federal Government said they didn’t send us to build the road, so no refund was made,” he added. “If they had refunded the money, wouldn’t the governor have used it to complete phase two of the road?”

Fayemi made these comments during a public event attended by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, and lawmaker Tope Longe.

While he acknowledged the necessity of reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, he criticised their abrupt implementation without sufficient measures to cushion the impact on citizens facing rising living costs and inflation. He also pointed out the alarming delays in the release of funds to federal ministries and agencies, stressing that good intentions alone are not enough for effective governance.

 

S: Guardian

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N’Delta group Aims To Gather 10 Million Votes In Support Of Tinubu’s Re-election

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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A grassroots sociopolitical organisation based in the Niger Delta, Door-2-Door, has expressed its commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The group aims to mobilise and secure 10 million votes for the President.

Door-2-Door was founded by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who is also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and an influential figure in the Ijaw nation.

In a statement released in Warri, Delta State, on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Sunday Adekanbi, the organisation characterised its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election as unwavering.

“As emphasised by our Grand Patron, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Door-2-Door is unequivocally committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. Our goal of mobilising and securing 10 million votes for Mr. President is non-negotiable,” the statement read in part.

The organisation also praised President Tinubu and the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for electing Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the national chairman of the party.

Offering heartfelt congratulations to Professor Yilwatda on his well-deserved election, the group described him as “a square peg in a square hole,” noting that his dedication to public service and commitment to democratic values would guide the party to greater success.

The statement continued, “Professor Yilwatda is, without a doubt, the right fit for the challenging position of APC National Chairman. His proven dedication to public service, deep political insight, and commitment to democratic ideals make him exceptionally qualified to lead the party toward new heights.

“Throughout his decades of distinguished service, Professor Yilwatda has shown remarkable talent and extensive experience in governance, policy formulation, and political strategy. These qualities are essential as the APC prepares to address challenges and solidify its leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.

“We have full confidence that under his leadership, the APC will be strengthened both institutionally and ideologically. We look forward to witnessing how his vision and expertise will enhance the party’s strengths, boost grassroots support, and inspire Nigerians to unite behind the APC’s agenda nationwide.

“Indeed, Professor Nentawe possesses the intellectual rigor and leadership charisma that this crucial moment demands. As Nigeria approaches the next election, Door-2-Door, under the leadership of High Chief Tompolo, pledges its unwavering support to Professor Yilwatda and the APC. We believe that with his guidance, the party will achieve a resounding victory, bringing hope and progress to all Nigerians.”

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FG Secures Financing For Aba-Maiduguri Rail Line, Enhances Eastern Corridor Connectivity

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Rail lines
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The Federal Government has successfully secured full financing for the completion of the Aba–Maiduguri rail corridor, which is a crucial part of the 1,443-kilometer Port Harcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.

Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday during a government-citizen engagement forum at Arewa House in Kaduna. He stated that the project will traverse Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, significantly boosting regional trade, passenger mobility, and economic integration across Nigeria’s eastern corridor.

“The financing for this strategic route is now secured, and we are dedicated to completing the full stretch from Aba to Maiduguri,” the minister affirmed.

Alkali also mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Railway, highlighting that freight services have resumed between Apapa Port and the Kano Inland Dry Port. This is part of the government’s efforts to decongest seaports, promote inland port operations, and support industrial logistics.

Additionally, the announcement reflects a broader initiative by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s aging rail infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity through modern transport systems.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the minister’s statements.

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